Attorney for Israel

Baruch Cohen knows the art of the fight.

At the end of his second year in law school, Baruch Cohen was invited to interview for a job with a Wall Street law firm. This was a total surprise, as he had not applied for a position with the “white shoe” firm, which normally courted straight-A, Ivy League waspy students. Baruch, in contrast, attended a mid-level law school, was obviously Jewish, and didn’t have a perfect GPA. The dean told him, “I have no idea why you got this opportunity but I suggest you not wear your yarmulke to the interview. And make sure those white strings aren’t coming out of your belt.”

Coming from a long line of orthodox rabbis and committed to his Judaism, Baruch was torn. “I grew up in a tough Far Rockaway neighborhood,” he recalls. “Where I come from, anyone telling me to take off my kippah was usually angling for a fight.” He asked advice from rabbis and orthodox attorneys he knew: wear the kippah for the interview or not? Everyone advised he remove it for this potentially career-making opportunity.

With his kippah in his pocket, Baruch walked into the interview feeling almost as if he were shirtless. He was stunned to see that the attorney sitting there wore a huge velvet yarmulke and tzitzit. His first question to Baruch was, “Where’s your yarmulke?”

Too shocked to speak, Baruch learned that this attorney had seen him clerking in court, noticed his kippah and decided to offer him an interview. As the young law student stood there defenseless, the elder man laced into him. “You’re a sellout,” he said. “This is a firm of leaders, not followers.” The interview ended before it began.

This event was a defining moment, sharpening Baruch Cohen’s commitment to never apologize for who he was.

This event, which took place more than 25 years ago, was a defining moment, sharpening Baruch Cohen’s commitment to never apologize for who he was. “Ever since that day, I have worn my kippah everywhere, at bench trials and any other professional venue. If someone has a problem with my kippah, it’s their problem, not mine. Orthodox Jewish attorneys should not feel like second-class citizens in the American judicial system. Our Torah pioneered all the core concepts of law.”

A successful L.A. business and litigation attorney, Baruch Cohen says that today, it’s common to see observant attorneys wearing kippahs in the courtroom, and he has never personally encountered flack from judges for it. But among the many articles he has written on the intersection of Jewish and civil law, one was based on a Texas judge who demanded an orthodox attorney remove his kippah in her courtroom or she would not allow him to argue his case there.

Baruch’s persona as an observant Jew, especially in the very public arena of courthouses, makes him a magnet for questions about Israel and Judaism. Once a Jewish colleague cornered him at the courthouse. “I can’t understand why Israel won’t make peace with the Palestinians,” the man asked.

Baruch was outraged at the man’s naiveté. “This was a stacked question, so I employed a technique to get him to see the truth. Knowing the man was around 60, I asked him if he had ever had a CAT scan or MRI.”

“That’s an invasive question,” the man countered.

Baruch repeated the question, and as he retells the story, he clearly savors the memory of the duel. His colleague admitted that he had not only had these medical scans but that a tumor had been discovered along the way.

Did you decide to make peace with the tumor or did you go to battle with it to save your life?

Baruch then went in for the kill: “Did you decide to make peace with the tumor or did you go to battle with it to save your life?” The other lawyer was so startled by the analogy that he actually invited Baruch to make a presentation on Israel to a group of lawyers, all of whom had biases against Israel.

“Lawyers are supposed to be evidence-based, which means they should be on the forefront of defending Israel,” Baruch observes. In 2010, during the Gaza flotilla crisis, he was so outraged by the drumbeat of overwhelmingly negative press against Israel that he launched a blog called American Trial Attorneys in Defense of Israel. The blog includes links to Israel-related news articles, videos (including from Aish.com) blog posts and other commentary, and even the occasional parody, all meant to educate and enlighten readers about Jewish spirituality and Israel realpolitik. He credits Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz’s books Chutzpah and The Case for Israel in particular as an inspiration for his own advocacy.

“In a court of law, I’d have the opportunity to impeach Israel’s defamers. My blog is a cyberspace court of law,” he says. A Jewish judge confided to Baruch that his notions about Israel had previously been formed by the reflexively leftist editorial pages of the Los Angeles Times. This judge, whose name had been floated as a U.S. Supreme Court nominee, has since done a complete turnaround on Israel in part from reading the blog, and has even taken groups of colleagues there. Baruch is satisfied that the blog is having an impact. “Besides, the attorney reading the blog today might be a senator tomorrow.” Baruch has spoken several times on the case for Israel, including on behalf of the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (CAMERA.)

Baruch and son Yehuda holding
Sefer Torah dedicated to Hindy Cohen

It is clear when talking to Baruch Cohen that this man loves a good fight. “I’m a student of Sun Tzu's The Art of War,” he says. “I'm tenacious like a pit bull when in fight-mode.” From his spacious ninth-floor office in midtown Los Angeles with floor-to-ceiling windows, on a clear day he can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean from one view and the skyscrapers downtown from the opposite view. Before a big case, he likes to pace the office in his stocking feet, practicing his arguments. “This is my lucky stress-reliever and helps focus my mind, like Bruce Willis in Diehard.”

It’s not surprising that a man who channels Bruce Willis and Sun Tzu would also boast of his “aggressive” legal tactics in advertisements for his practice. He was also delighted to hear that an attorney from the opposing side in one case was warned, “Be afraid, be very afraid” of going against him. Don’t these “scorched earth” tactics and overt aggressiveness feed into negative Jewish stereotypes? Aren’t they at odds with ideals of Jewish justice and sensitivity?

“Not at all,” he states. “I’m aggressive but not abrasive. When a client is pursued wrongfully, it’s therapeutic to have someone strong on their side. It is rehabilitative for a broken and downtrodden client to have someone willing to fight for them to the max. As long as it is done with honesty and integrity, I see no contradiction. And sometimes the best offense is a good defense.”

Baruch is an avid fan of Aish.com. “There is nothing out there in the Jewish community as vast and comprehensive as Aish.com for Torah insights, history, or inspiration. When someone asks me a question about Judaism, nine times out of ten I’ll find the perfect thing on Aish.com, copy the article in an email, and highlight the areas of particular interest to that person. It lends credibility to what I have said and expands on it.”

Daughter’s Death

Fighting on behalf of clients and on behalf of the State of Israel is nothing compared to the fight Baruch and his wife, Adina, fought for two and half years to save the life of their eldest daughter, Hindy. Diagnosed with cancer just days after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Hindy passed away at 17. Asked about the impact of his daughter’s death, Baruch sighs heavily and momentarily hangs his head.

“Without question this was the darkest and most traumatic event of our lives. This sort of tragic death can crush a person. In my darkness, Rabbi Boruch Gradon handed me a letter from Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, written to the head of the Lakewood Yeshiva after the head of the yeshiva became a bereaved parent. I was so lost, but began to feel lifted knowing that the Torah offers strength and direction, even for this type of tragedy.”

Baruch began collecting other such letters, written by righteous and deeply knowledgeable Jews on the topic of consolation. He translated letters from Hebrew, but also collected letters written in English, including one from Abraham Lincoln, who lost two sons. Baruch became consumed by this project, eventually collecting 700 pages of letters, poems and songs that helped him grieve and heal. He published the book, called Reb Yochanan’s Bone: Inspiration to the Bereaved Parent,named for a rabbi of the Talmudic era who lost 10 children. Baruch has given away approximately 250 copies of this book to others struggling through bereavement.

Being wrapped in my grief was isolating me from everyone. I couldn’t allow the darkness to consume me.”

“If anyone had suggested when I was in the darkest point in my grief that there was ever a day I could be happy, laugh and sing again, I would have said it’s impossible. That day eventually came after years of hard work, attending a group for bereaved parents, humbling myself to learn from the writings of others, and realizing that it’s not only about me. Being wrapped in my grief was isolating me from everyone.”

“People grieve differently, at different paces. Learning to respect my wife’s space was an extremely important epiphany,” he observes. “The moment I was able to focus on how other members of my family were coping it became healing for me.”

Baruch realized that as a trial attorney, his business was about understanding other people’s causes. “I decided to be my own lawyer, to champion my own cause. Grief had become the greatest adversary of my life. It has a gravitational force of its own, and I couldn’t allow the darkness to consume me.”

“Eventually, I started to carve out a path to recognize happiness from tragedy, simcha m’toch tzara. God measures the tragedy and sends us signs that He’s still with us. God gave me many signs showing me He had not abandoned me, and that was a substantial lifeline.”

“One Friday night at shul, I was still in my own personal hell, not paying attention to the davening. Then I heard the line from Lecha Dodi, “Too long have I dwelled in the valley of tears,” and I felt that was a signal from God. I decided that was time to get my second wind. The book was finished, we had dedicated a Torah scroll in Hindy’s memory, my in-laws had dedicated an ambulance in her memory to Hatzalah, and we had founded the Hindy Cohen Memorial Fund at Bais Yaakov of Los Angeles, where Hindy went to school.” This fund sponsors an annual day of learning for parents, as well as the Halleli Song and Dance Production, produced by the school every other year. “The time had come to reclaim some happiness.”

Finally, he felt the pain migrating out of him at a healthy pace. But based on his experiences, he has been shocked at the well-meaning yet insensitive things people often say when paying a condolence call. “Don’t try to suggest to anyone in this situation that they know why the tragedy happened, or that the bereaved family was ‘chosen’ for this mission because of any elevated spiritual status. I found that maddening, and I rebelled against it all.”

At a huge price, Baruch says the experience made him a deeper person. “I had never noticed people in wheelchairs until I went to Disneyland pushing a wheelchair, and then all I noticed was wheelchairs. I used to have some envy for the trappings of the rich and famous. Now the very oxygen I breathe is different. I can sense pain in a person, and I focus on good people with good values.”

Despite his many years in an emotional wilderness, Baruch says that his daughter’s death does not define him. “I know my child wants me to be in a positive mindset. I don’t wear it on my sleeve, but will share it with people who complain bitterly about their lives. I try to convey to them, ‘I am with you in your pain. You are not alone.’”

In public talks, Baruch emphasizes what he has learned about how to trust in God, the power of imagination, learning to rid yourself of envy, and how to carve out happiness from any scenario you are in. “If you are sick in bed, okay, you are not blind. If you are blind, well, you are alive. I believe that God is always holding and supporting you.”

Featured at Aish.com:

About the Author

Judy Gruen is the author of several books, including the newly released The Skeptic and the Rabbi: Falling in Love with Faith. Her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, Jewish Action, and many other media outlets. She is also a writing coach and book editor. Read more about her at www.judygruen.com.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 26

(22)
Ya'akov C.Jensen MD, DABR,
January 18, 2014 9:30 PM

Simcha m'toch tzara

I have story of "yarmulke and tzitzit stolen" ie identity and license by total fraud and false witness with no testimony i.e. no witness and no accusation or allegation. Talk to me. Gracias HaShem. J

(21)
Baruch C. Cohen, Esq.,
October 1, 2013 8:32 PM

Reb Yochanan’s Bone - Chizuk to the Bereaved Parent

I have received many kind comments about the Aish.com article / review by Judy Gruen. The feedback to the article was indeed overwhelmingly positive.

Many have inquired about my compilation of powerful articles and vignettes for the Jewish bereaved parent entitled: "Reb Yochanan’s Bone - Chizuk to the Bereaved Parent" dealing with the pain of a deceased child, coping, grieving, healing and even transcending the tragedy & how to achieve true consolation from Hashem. When one reads the words of consolation from the Chiddushei Harim of Ger whose 13 children all died on shabbos, or of the Klausenberger Rebbe whose wife and 11 children died in the gas chambers of Auschwitz, or of David Hatuel whose 8 month pregnant wife Tali and his four daughters were killed by Arab terrorists, or to Esther Waxman whose son Corporal Nachshon Wachman was killed by Arab terrorists, or to Former First Lady Barbara Bush whose daughter Robin died from Leukemia, or how Aharon Hakohein reacted when his two sons Nadav and Avihu died, there is a sense of immediate understanding by the bereaved parent of what these other bereaved parents went through and how well they pulled through it. I’ve translated various letters of consolation by HaRav Chazkel Levenstein (from the Sefer Ohr Yechezkel), the Derashos of the Chasam Sofer, a letter from HaRav Yonasan Eibeschitz - all on the topic of the impossibly painful 'test' of the bereaved parent - all included in my compendium.

The book is in pdf format and is approximately 529 pages long. I don't charge for it - I share it only with bereaved parents to help. I have declined offers to publish it publiclly out of consideration for my family's need for privacy and healing. I ask that you respect my sensitivities. If you are a bereaved parent, or a consoler to a bereaved parent, please connect with me on Linkedin and request a copy of the book to be emailed to you.

Baruch C. Cohen, Esq.Los Angeles, CA

jeffrey feit,
October 28, 2013 6:47 PM

the loss of my dearest son matthew(matty or mofi for short)

I would love a copy of the book/articles that address the very above. Grief and paid does not accurately depict how i feel. I feel like i lost my very soul. thank you so much. Warm regards, jeffrey feit

(20)
Anonymous,
September 28, 2013 1:32 AM

Baruch, I have heard about you from my son, Doug (whom you know). First of all my condolences for your daughter. I enjoyed your article which Doug sent me. I wish you the best and know that you will accomplish great things.

(19)
Kenan Moss,
September 19, 2013 1:14 PM

Defense of Israel

Thank you for an inspiring article. I do not see you as a defender of Israel: Israel does not need to be defended. Those who hold opinions based on ignorance need to defend themselves of the charge of stupidity. Ignorance of ignorance is stupidity. Why do so many stupid people hold prominent positions in politics and the media? Is it now anti-democratic to demand that people inform themselves before they opine?

(18)
Claudemiro,
September 18, 2013 5:38 PM

I feel much better now

Thank you so much for such an inspiration like this. I'm feeling much better now, after reading this interesting story. I'm not a jew but I have learned a lot from the Torah and from jewish people. By the way, I've said many time to my friends in Brazil that there's no web site like Aish.com. It's the very best among the best. Baruch HaShem!

(17)
Ofra Ben David,
September 17, 2013 10:28 PM

Your story is powerful and inspiring!

Thank you Mr, Cohen for sharing your personal story and I thank you deeply for defending Israel, we need more brave and true Jews like you in this off the rail world that keep on playing the blame game, thank you again, and G-d bless you!

(16)
Monique,
September 17, 2013 4:43 PM

Extraordinary well said and truthful. I also lost my only daughter of 29 years, and I can relate to the grace of G-d lifting me every day of my life. As to Israel, people need to wake up to the reality that Israel always allowed strangers to live in THEIR land. But there is no two states solution, the land belong to Israel by divine title. What was a biblical problem became a political one. God has one word and does not change. My profound respect to Baruch Cohen for standing up for who he is>

(15)
Nancy,
September 17, 2013 4:02 PM

Wow!! Thank you so much for sharing such a powerful story. It reminded me once again that I must remain true to the reflection in the mirror. As the ONLY observant Jewish person on both sides of my family, this mission is quite challenging. However, I am moving forward and climbing the ladder of observance. Kol Tuv.

(14)
J.D.,
September 16, 2013 5:22 PM

Israel needs good advocates

Glad to read this article and I would like to look more into Mr. Cohen's works. His efforts on behalf of bereaved parents is especially inspiring. Israel is under constant attack in one way or another from many around the world and it's important to have facts and compelling arguments on your side at all times. Having said that, comparing Palestinians to a tumor is probably not going to win many people over. Their repeated unwillingness to accept a 2-state solution, and the status of most descendants of 'refugees' who only emigrated to the region immediately before the founding of the state - as well as their refusal to accept full religious and social rights as citizens in a non-Muslim country - is enough to speak volumes.

(13)
Anonymous,
September 16, 2013 4:39 PM

How does one overcome pain and anger of divorce?

It's been 16 years and I've seen many miracles of G-d's love and provisions for me but as time goes by i find myself more bitter and angry to the point of hatted whic@h i k_now G-d will judge..it doesn't help that my kid_s_ don't know or want to know his betraya.l of our vows and idolize him. We are together at family affairs and i can't stand to even look at him. Is there help???

shamar,
September 17, 2013 2:37 PM

overcoming the pain and anger of divorce

I suffered alone in pain, anger and bitterness from two divorces for many, many years. At work one day I found out that a much younger co-worker was now going through a very similar divorce. Finally, I thought, after all these years of suffering alone I will have someone to share all this sorrow, grief and bitterness with. Or so I thought. Different job duties kept me from working with this co-worker for about 6 more months. When I found out we would finally be working together after all this time I was so happy and couldn't wait. When the day finally came I expected him to come in all sad, tired and angry with nothing good to say about how his marriage had ended. Wow, was I shocked when he just went about his day happy and cheerful as though nothing terrible had really happened. After half the day of watching this I finally stopped and asked him how he could act and feel the way he did after all he had suffered and been through. He smiled and asked, "Do you pray for your enemies?" I realized at that moment that I didn't. He then asked, "Do you find yourself arguing in your mind with your ex during all portions of your day and they are not even there?" To which I answered yes. He then told me that I was in prison and I needed to get out. I was locked into the pain, grief, anger and bitterness of my failed marriages. I was told to spend every night for the next two weeks when davening to ask that in each failed relationship my ex be granted her hearts desire, the man of her dreams and that her every wish to come true. You can imagine the look on my face when I heard this. He smiles even bigger, touched my arm and said, "I know what your thinking, and it will feel like pulling your own teeth but if you want free from the prison your in, do it. Do not relent and do not miss a single night. After two weeks come and see me." He then walked away. I did what he asked. It was the most horrible pain ever to pray those things. But it worked! Try it! It will set you free.

(12)
Kathleen,
September 16, 2013 2:14 PM

Reb Yochanan’s Bone: Inspiration to the Bereaved Parent

I would like to buy the book to use in my practice as a social worker. Where can I find it? I looked on the web but it didn't come up.

(11)
Susan,
September 16, 2013 12:53 PM

thanks

Thanks for sharing this, Judy. In addition to his lessons about grieving, there are so many other valuable insights and lessons he also shares.

(10)
Anonymous,
September 16, 2013 12:12 PM

Journey of an Israeli in Palestine

The book "The General's Son" written by Miko Peled, the son of General Matti Peled talks about shared homeland, the dream of growing numbers of Israelis and Palestinians, choosing friendship over enmity

(9)
Robert MacPherson,
September 16, 2013 11:25 AM

Shalom, Shalom,Shalom

It does my heart so much good when I hear of someone who has overcome deep pain, as you have, and you are an inspiration to all.Shalom

(8)
Tova Klein,
September 16, 2013 6:12 AM

Well Done!

Baruch is all what you said and more. He is a person that sees right through the fog and pinpoints the issues or problems. He is a dedicated person, forever growing and improving as a Torah Jew.

(7)
rifka,
September 16, 2013 3:57 AM

lawyer for humanity

Lying in bed with a sore throat,gave me the time to check out the aish site.the caption was a bit bland,but I clicked nevertheless.his defense of Judaism and Israel is truly awesome,but his integrity as a bereaved parent,his sensitivity and growth makes Mr. Cohen an inspiration.

Chanan Gordon,
September 17, 2013 6:15 AM

A person true to himself, a good personal friend, and a good friend of Israel ...

In a world where so many people develop their identity as result of external expectations or the desire to conform, it is refreshing to know that there are people like Baruch Cohen, Esq who are prepared to do what is right even if it is not necessarily popular. Clichés resonate with us because they capture universal truths. To that end, we all know, as Alexander Hamilton said that “people who stand for nothing will fall for anything.” Baruch is someone who stands for something - a proud defender of Israel and Torah values - which, in turn, ensures that he will not fall for anything that compromises integrity and the absolute truth. Kudos on a terrific piece about a wonderful person who I am proud to call a chuver.

(6)
Anonymous,
September 16, 2013 3:09 AM

I would love to get a copy of the book you put together, for my sister in law who has suffered, lo alenue, many losses, and is sometimes almost suffocating in her grief. Would that be possibe;?? Thank you for your inspiration!

(5)
Anonymous,
September 16, 2013 1:48 AM

thanks

It was so significant to read your comments on bereavement. I lost a child, also, albeit a stillbirth, so she never really 'lived'. But for years I could not emerge from the black hole I found myself in. I only emerged eight years later, when I had another child. Even now, I still have remnants of that sadness within me. I would love to know where to get a copy of the book Mr. Cohen wrote. It's probably something that should be in every Jewish bookstore. There are many parents who have lost a child and still carry that pain.

(4)
Bruce,
September 15, 2013 6:39 PM

G-d Bless Him

Truly inspirational. Baruch is a man of the highest honor.

(3)
shmuel Freedman,
September 15, 2013 5:51 PM

super

You are living on a high level!

(2)
Anonymous,
September 15, 2013 5:30 PM

Your story is an inspiration to all those persecuted for who they are or what they believe and also to all those suffering from grief. I have a friend who is persecuted daily by coworkers who don't like that she has Scriptures on her desk that strengthen and encourage her throughout the day. I am going to send her this article. Thank you for sharing your story. It meant a lot to me and I know it will mean a lot to my friend. Be blessed!

(1)
Jacqueline Bocian,
September 15, 2013 4:57 PM

Judy Gruen nailed it again!

Judy Gruen's article about attorney Baruch Cohen was thoughtful, detailed, well researched, and moving. And this from a humor writer? How talented she is, to be able to write two such very different kinds of soul-touching articles. When I see a Judy Gruen article on Aish, that is what I read first. Amazing author; I would love to see a weekly article by her. Thank you for the magnificent Aish newsletter!

sylvia berman,
September 16, 2013 3:09 AM

written with neshamah feelings

please contact jacqueline bocian who commented to email me..we have been friends and lost each other.

My Christian friends are always speaking about “faith.” To me this sounds a lot like blind faith. Is that really the essence of religion?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

I'm afraid that this is another case of a Christian concept being mis-associated with Judaism.

Let's first define our terms. What is faith?

Webster defines faith as "Belief without proof."

What is knowledge? "An acquaintance with truth, facts or principles through study or investigation."

Faith is usually a product of desire. Have you ever gotten a tip on the market that guarantees you're going to triple your money in a month? A lot of smart people have gotten fleeced because they ignored the evidence and went with their feelings.

Knowledge, on the other hand, is based on evidence. We know there's a place called China because we have too many products in our house saying "made in China." There's a lot of evidence for the existence of China, even though most of us have never been there.

Judaism unequivocally comes down on the side of knowledge, not faith. In Deuteronomy 4:39, the Torah says: "You shall know this day, and understand it well in your heart, that the Almighty is God; in the heaven above and the earth below, there is none other." (This verse is also contained in the prayer, "Aleynu.")

This verse tells us that it is not enough to simply know in your head, intellectually, that God is the Controller of everything. You must know it in your heart! This knowledge is much more profound than an intellectual knowledge. God gave us a brain because he wants us to think rationally about the world, our role in it, and our relationship with God.

A conviction based on desire or feelings alone has no place in Judaism. The Hebrew word "emunah," which is often translated as faith, does not describe a conviction based on feelings or desire. It describes a conviction that is based on evidence.

Once this knowledge is internalized, it effects how a person lives. A person with this knowledge could transform every breathing moment into a mitzvah, for he would do everything for the sake of the heaven. But this is not a "knowledge," that comes easily. Only intensive Torah learning and doing mitzvahs can achieve this knowledge. Every word of Torah we learn moves us just a little bit closer to that goal. And everyone is capable of that.

To learn more, read "The Knowing Heart," by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (Feldheim.com). This entire book is an explanation of this verse!

In 350 BCE, the building of the second Holy Temple was completed in Jerusalem, as recorded in the biblical Book of Ezra (6:15). The re-building of the Temple had begun under Cyrus when the Persians first took over the Babylonian empire. The re-building was then interrupted for 18 years, and resumed with the blessing of Darius II, the Persian king whom is said to be the son of Esther. The Second Temple lacked much of the glory of the First Temple: There was no Ark of the Covenant, and the daily miracles and prophets were no longer part of the scenery. The Second Temple would stand for 420 years, before being destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.

You shall know this day and consider it within your heart(Deuteronomy 4:39).

Business people who are involved in many transactions employ accountants to analyze their operations and to determine whether or not they are profitable. They may also seek the help of experts to determine which products are making money and which are losing. Such studies allow them to maximize their profits and minimize their losses. Without such data, they might be doing a great deal of business, but discover at the end of the year that their expenditures exceeded their earnings.

Sensible people give at least as much thought to the quality and achievement of their lives as they do to their businesses. Each asks himself, "Where am I going with my life? What am I doing that is of value? In what ways am I gaining and improving? And which practices should I increase, and which should I eliminate?"

Few people make such reckonings. Many of those that do, do so on their own, without consulting an expert's opinion. These same people would not think of being their own business analysts and accountants, and they readily pay large sums of money to engage highly qualified experts in these fields.

Jewish ethical works urge us to regularly undergo cheshbon hanefesh, a personal accounting. We would be foolish to approach this accounting of our very lives with any less seriousness than we do our business affairs. We should seek out the "spiritual C.P.A.s," those who have expertise in spiritual guidance, to help us in our analyses.

Today I shall...

look for competent guidance in doing a personal moral inventory and in planning my future.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...